Bonneville America Forums Forums Off Topic Discussion Forums Lounge 2nd Post: As new as new can be... Teach Me!

Thanks for the replies and welcomes everyone!

I have given some thought to starting out with a smaller bike, but from what I've read, it sounds like the biggest incentive is controlling speed and starting out slow. I really do believe that I will be able to resist urges to open it up too much too soon. Lighter weight seems like it may be useful in the short term, however, it sounds like many folks start out with standard sizes. I'm interested in hearing all opinions.

I'll probably wait to pick up my bike until after my beginner's class - considering I don't know the first thing about making a bike move any direction other than down...

I will do some shopping around, but, so far, am really leaning toward Bonneville Blacks or Americas. I’ll take any suggestions on whether to buy new or used, and where to find decent selections – your stories of talking bikes are making me very eager to get out there!

For those of you that suggest starting out with something different, I’d love to hear some specific suggestions.

In any case, I definitely get the point about gear, and plan to invest some real energy in selecting the right stuff. In my mind, I'm considering $$ investment in protective gear as part of the total-picture. I've noticed several great threads here and on other sites about gear selection, which I'll continue to study.

Thanks a lot, and keep it coming if you have any thoughts. Like I said, I have thick skin and can take a rub, so if I'm headed in the wrong direction, let me have it!

I should mention that I’m vertically-challenged at 5’8” and have a 30” inseam, which I’ve noticed is very short for most dual-sport/enduro bikes, as well as many other types of bikes. Though, seems like most Triumphs have shorter seat heights.